Wednesday, 6 August 2014

On 16th August 1819 in St Peter's Fields, Manchester, armed cavalry charged a peaceful crowd of around 60,000 people gathered to listen to anti-poverty and pro-democracy speakers. It is estimated that 18 were killed, and over 700 seriously injured. The event is one of the most significant in the history of the struggle for democracy.

This march is part of a campaign for a PROMINENT, EXPLANATORY and RESPECTFUL memorial to this major event and to those who died that day. See website http://www.peterloomassacre.org/campaign.html and Facebook PETERLOO MASSACRE 195th ANNIVERSARY for further details. The campaign has attracted the support of Richard Leese, Chair of Manchester City Council. Turner prize winning sculptor Jeremy Deller has been invited to work with the city council on the design of the monument.

Itinerary for the Bolton March:

August 17th 8.00 am. The March will set off from the Socialist Club, Wood Street, Bolton heading for St Peter’s Square Manchester, where it will meet up with marches from other parts of Greater Manchester.

8.00 am

Leave from Bolton Socialist Club Wood Street. Head towards Kearsley via Bradshawgate and Manchester Road (B6536), Bolton Road at Moses Gate, along Market Street and through the underpass to pick up the A666 Bolton road.

9.15 am ( 3.6 miles)

Moss Rose, Kearsley. Head along A666 to Swinton to junction with A6044 (3 miles)

10.20 am (7.1 miles)

Henry Boddinton, Swinton. Continue along A666 to merge with A6 at Broad St.

11.20 (9.7 miles)

Salford Crescent Station. Continue along A6 through Salford, possible pausing at the Working Class History Library and the Peoples History Museum,

12.00 - 12.30pm (11.4 miles) Arrive St Peter’s Square, Manchester.

Anyone wishing to join the march from Bolton can join at any of the stopping points indicated in bold. Further details on Bolton march from Chris Chilton 0875 646 6070 or at chris_chilton@hotmail.com.